miR-125a-5p post-transcriptionally suppresses GALNT7 to inhibit proliferation and invasion in cervical cancer cells via the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential: Harnessing miR-125a-5p To Enhance Autophagy and Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer through Targeting STAT3

Objectives: miR-125a-5p's role in various cancers has been recognized, yet its specific function in pancreatic cancer (PCa) demands further exploration. This study aimed to reveal the potential function of miR-125a-5p in PCa. Methods: With publicly available databases, we explored the expression pattern and prognostic relevance of miR-125a-5p and STAT3 in PCa. We measured miR-125a-5p levels in PCa tissues, plasma and cell lines using RT-qPCR. To assess functional effects, PANC-1 cells were transfected with miR-125a-5p mimics and inhibitors, as well as siRNA-STAT3 and STAT3 vectors. Cell proliferation was estimated using Cell Counting Kit-8, while autophagy and apoptosis were examined by transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL assay, respectively. Western blot analysis was also performed to detect proteins associated with autophagy and apoptosis. The regulatory relationship of miR-125a-5p on STAT3 was verified using a dual luciferase reporter assay. The influence of miR-125a-5p on tumor development was evaluated in xenograft models. Results: Decreased expression of miR-125a-5p was found in PCa samples, and low expression of miR-125a-5p was associated with a poorer prognosis in PCa patients. Functional assays indicated miR-125a-5p suppressed cell growth while enhancing apoptosis and autophagy in PCa cells. STAT3 represents a specific target of miR-125a-5p, inhibiting STAT3 reversed the inhibitory effect of overexposed miR-125a-5p. Additionally, miR-125a-5p significantly restrained tumor development in mice. Conclusions: miR-125a-5p functions as a tumor suppressor in PCa by targeting STAT3, thereby inducing autophagy and apoptosis. Its regulatory role underscores its potential as a valuable biomarker for PCa diagnosis and therapy, warranting further clinical investigation.

The genomic landscape of the immune system in lung cancer: present insights and continuing investigations

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, contributing to over a million cancer-related deaths annually. Despite extensive research investigating the genetic factors associated with lung cancer susceptibility and prognosis, few studies have explored genetic predispositions regarding the immune system. This review discusses the most recent genomic findings related to the susceptibility to or protection against lung cancer, patient survival, and therapeutic responses. The results demonstrated the effect of immunogenetic variations in immune system-related genes associated with innate and adaptive immune responses, cytokine, and chemokine secretions, and signaling pathways. These genetic diversities may affect the crosstalk between tumor and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer progression, invasion, and prognosis. Given the considerable variability in the individual immunegenomics profiles, future studies should prioritize large-scale analyses to identify potential genetic variations associated with lung cancer using highthroughput technologies across different populations. This approach will provide further information for predicting response to targeted therapy and promotes the development of new measures for individualized cancer treatment.

Identification and Validation of eRNA as a Prognostic Indicator for Cervical Cancer

The survival of CESC patients is closely related to the expression of enhancer RNA (eRNA). In this work, we downloaded eRNA expression, clinical, and gene expression data from the TCeA and TCGA portals. A total of 7936 differentially expressed eRNAs were discovered by limma analysis, and the relationship between these eRNAs and survival was analyzed by univariate Cox hazard analysis, LASSO regression, and multivariate Cox hazard analysis to obtain an 8-eRNA model. Risk score heat maps, KM curves, ROC analysis, robustness analysis, and nomograms further indicate that this 8-eRNA model is a novel indicator with high prognostic performance independent of clinicopathological classification. The model divided patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, compared pathway diversity between the two groups through GSEA analysis, and provided potential therapeutic agents for high-risk patients.

HPV16 E6 promoting cervical cancer progression through down-regulation of miR-320a to increase TOP2A expression

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer (CC) has become the fourth most common cancer worldwide and it is mainly caused by the infection of human papillomavirus (HPV), especially high-risk HPV16. Aberrant miRNA expression in CC is closely related to HPV16 infection, and the regulation of HPV16 E6 expression can affect a variety of miRNA expression. This study aims to exploring the miRNAs involved in E6 regulation in CC.

METHODS

Our study screened differentially expressed miRNAs in cervical cells of HPV16 infected and uninfected cervical cancer patients by analyzing the GSE81137 dataset of the gene expression omnibus database (GEO), and identified miR-320a that plays an anti-tumor role and is associated with good prognosis of cervical cancer. Explore the effect of HPV16 E6 on the expression of miR-320a in cervical cancer, and verify whether HPV16 E6 regulates the downstream target gene TOP2A expression through miR-320a, thereby affecting cervical cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and EMT in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The bioinformatic methods selected the miR-320a, which was differentially expressed in cervical cells from HPV16-infected patients compared to uninfected patients. We further demonstrated that miR-320a level was regulated by HPV16 E6, which promoted the CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibited apoptosis. In addition, we predicted the downstream target genes of miR-320a and confirmed that TOP2A was one of its targeting proteins. Moreover, HPV16 E6 promoted the TOP2A expression in CC cells through down-regulating miR-320a, leading to promoting CC development.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed that HPV16 E6 promoted the TOP2A expression through down-regulation of miR-320a, thus promoting CC development, and the HPV16 E6/miR-320a/TOP2A axis may perform as a potential target for CC treatment.

miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p contributes to pathological activation of angiotensin II-AT1R in mouse distal convoluted tubule cells by the suppression of Atrap

The renin-angiotensin system plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure. Activation of the angiotensin II (Ang II)-Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) signaling pathway contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension and subsequent organ damage. AT1R-associated protein (ATRAP) has been identified as an endogenous inhibitory protein of the AT1R pathological activation. We have shown that mouse Atrap (Atrap) represses various Ang II-AT1R-mediated pathologies, including hypertension in mice. The expression of human ATRAP (ATRAP)/Atrap can be altered in various pathological states in humans and mice, such as Ang II stimulation and serum starvation. However, the regulatory mechanisms of ATRAP/Atrap are not yet fully elucidated. miRNAs are 21 to 23 nucleotides of small RNAs that post-transcriptionally repress gene expression. Single miRNA can act on hundreds of target mRNAs, and numerous miRNAs have been identified as the Ang II-AT1R signaling-associated disease phenotype modulator, but nothing is known about the regulation of ATRAP/Atrap. In the present study, we identified miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p as the evolutionarily conserved miRNAs that potentially act on ATRAP/Atrap mRNA. Further analysis revealed that miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p can directly repress both ATRAP and Atrap. In addition, the inhibition of miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p resulted in the suppression of the Ang II-AT1R signaling in mouse distal convoluted tubule cells. Taken together, miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p activates Ang II-AT1R signaling by the suppression of ATRAP/Atrap. Our results provide new insights into the potential approaches for achieving the organ-protective effects by the repression of the miR-125 family associated with the enhancement of ATRAP/Atrap expression.

Downregulation of miR-125a-5p Promotes Endothelial Progenitor Cell Migration and Angiogenesis and Alleviates Deep Vein Thrombosis in Mice Via Upregulation of MCL-1

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to recanalization of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play regulatory roles in functions of EPCs, which is becoming a promising therapeutic choice for thrombus resolution. The main purpose of this study was to explore the effect of miR-125a-5p on EPC functions in deep vein thrombosis (DVT). EPCs were isolated from the peripheral blood of patients with DVT. In DVT mouse models, DVT was induced by stenosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC). The levels of miR-125a-5p and myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (MCL-1) in EPCs and thrombi of DVT mice were detected by RT-qPCR. EPC migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis were estimated by Transwell assay, tube formation assay, and flow cytometry analysis. Luciferase reporter assay was utilized for detecting the binding of miR-125a-5p and MCL-1. The phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT was estimated by western blot. DVT formation in vivo was observed through hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of thrombus resolution marker, CD34 molecule (CD34), in the thrombi was measured by immunofluorescence staining. MiR-125a-5p upregulation repressed EPC migration and angiogenesis and facilitated apoptosis. MiR-125a-5p downregulation showed the opposite effect. MCL-1 was targeted and negatively regulated by miR-125a-5p. Additionally, miR-125a-5p inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway in EPCs. Inhibition of MCL-1 or PI3K/AKT pathway reversed the effect of miR-125a-5p knockdown on EPC functions. The in vivo experiments revealed that miR-125a-5p downregulation repressed thrombus formation and promoted the homing capability of EPCs to the thrombosis site, thereby alleviating DVT mice. Downregulation of miR-125a-5p promotes EPC migration and angiogenesis by upregulating MCL-1, thereby enhancing EPC homing to thrombi and facilitating thrombus resolution.

Discovering the mechanism of action of drugs with a sparse explainable network

BACKGROUND

Although Deep Neural Networks (DDNs) have been successful in predicting the efficacy of cancer drugs, the lack of explainability in their decision-making process is a significant challenge. Previous research proposed mimicking the Gene Ontology structure to allow for interpretation of each neuron in the network. However, these previous approaches require huge amount of GPU resources and hinder its extension to genome-wide models.

METHODS

We developed SparseGO, a sparse and interpretable neural network, for predicting drug response in cancer cell lines and their Mechanism of Action (MoA). To ensure model generalization, we trained it on multiple datasets and evaluated its performance using three cross-validation schemes. Its efficiency allows it to be used with gene expression. In addition, SparseGO integrates an eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) technique, DeepLIFT, with Support Vector Machines to computationally discover the MoA of drugs.

FINDINGS

SparseGO's sparse implementation significantly reduced GPU memory usage and training speed compared to other methods, allowing it to process gene expression instead of mutations as input data. SparseGO using expression improved the accuracy and enabled its use on drug repositioning. Furthermore, gene expression allows the prediction of MoA using 265 drugs to train it. It was validated on understudied drugs such as parbendazole and PD153035.

INTERPRETATION

SparseGO is an effective XAI method for predicting, but more importantly, understanding drug response.

FUNDING

The Accelerator Award Programme funded by Cancer Research UK [C355/A26819], Fundación Científica de la AECC and Fondazione AIRC, Project PIBA_2020_1_0055 funded by the Basque Government and the Synlethal Project (RETOS Investigacion, Spanish Government).

SPDEF enhances cancer stem cell-like properties and tumorigenesis through directly promoting GALNT7 transcription in luminal breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Luminal breast cancer (BC) is the predominant subtype of breast cancer with a sustained risk of late recurrence and death. Understanding the molecular mechanisms for the oncogenesis of luminal BC would improve the prognosis for this large subset of patients. SPDEF was reported to be dysregulated in breast cancers. However, the biological functions and underlying molecular mechanism of SPDEF in luminal BC remains largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the potential roles of SPDEF underlying subtype-specific functions in BC, especially in luminal subtypes.

METHODS

The expressions and clinicopathological characteristics of SPDEF in luminal BC patients were evaluated bioinformatically. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the oncogenic function and stemness maintenance of SPDEF in luminal BC. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter assays were conducted to determine the transcription regulation of GALNT7 by SPDEF. GALNT7 levels in serum from luminal BC patients were further detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

SPDEF is markedly upregulated in luminal BC and positively associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Furthermore, we confirmed that SPDEF enhanced the proliferation, migration, invasion and stemness of luminal BC cells in vitro as well the tumorigenicity in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated the stimulative effect of SPDEF on the progression and stemness of luminal BC, which is mediated by its directly transcriptional target GALNT7. Clinically, we verified that the GALNT7 can be used as a noninvasive diagnostic marker. Noteworthy, the combined detection of serum GALNT7 and traditional tumor markers can enhance diagnostic accuracy thus is of vital importance in the early diagnosis of luminal BC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals a novel mechanism by which SPDEF transcriptionally activates GALNT7 via directly binding to its promoter to promote cell proliferation, motility and stemness, and led to luminal BC tumorigenesis and poor prognosis.

Micro RNAs and Circular RNAs in Different Forms of Otitis Media

The aim of this comprehensive review was to present the current knowledge on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in acute, recurrent, and chronic forms of otitis media. Special attention was focused on cholesteatoma of the middle ear. MicroRNAs modulate gene expression, which, in turn, influences the development and likelihood of the recurrence of acute and aggressive chronic middle ear inflammatory processes. Moreover, this study discusses the modulating role of a specific subgroup of noncoding RNA, circular RNA (circRNA). Recognizing the precise potential pathways and the mechanisms of their function may contribute to a better understanding of the molecular bases of middle ear diseases and identifying novel methods for treating this demanding pathology. Articles published between 2009 and 2022 were used in this analysis. In this review, we provide a complete overview of the latest progress in identifying the role and mechanisms of particular miRNAs and circRNAs in acute, recurrent and chronic forms of otitis media.

hsa-mir-133a-2 promotes the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells by targeting the LAMB3-mediated PI3K/ATK pathway

OBJECTIVE

Cervical cancer, one of the common types of malignant tumors progressed in women, is on the rise in developing countries. Numerous previous studies have demonstrated that hsa-mir-133a-2 miRNA is abnormally expressed in cervical cancer cells. However, its fundamental mechanism in cervical cancer needs to be further clarified. Our study set out to investigate the effect of hsa-mir-133a-2 on the phenotypes of cervical cancer cells as well as any potential molecular processes involved in the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells.

METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas-cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma(TCGA-CESC) was adopted in order to verify the expression of hsa-mir-133a-2 in cervical cancer tissues and to identify its potential targets. The interaction between Laminin subunit beta-3(LAMB3) and hsa-mir-133a-2 was verified by TargetScan database as well as Luciferase reporter assay. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and transwell methods were utilized to assess the influence of hsa-mir-133a-2 on the proliferation and invasion characteristics of cervical cancer cells. We studied the role that hsa-mir-133a-2 plays in cervical cancer progression through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) analysis as well as Western Blot (WB) experiment.

RESULTS

Down-regulation of hsa-mir-133a-2 was detected in cervical cancer tissues. It directly targeted LAMB3 and negatively regulated LAMB3 expression. The overexpression of hsa-mir-133a-2 has a significant inhibiting effect on cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The overexpression of hsa-mir-133a-2 significantly inhibits the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Moreover, the LAMB3 was able to up-regulate the phosphorylation levels of AKT and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) protein in cervical cancer cells. hsa-mir-133a-2 could also modulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by targeting LAMB3.

CONCLUSION

hsa-mir-133a-2 inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion by indirectly regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, providing us with a new clinical treatment strategy for cervical cancer.

MiR-30c facilitates natural killer cell cytotoxicity to lung cancer through targeting GALNT7

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in regulating natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity to cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanism of miR-30c in regulating NK cell cytotoxicity to lung cancer cells.

METHODS

Primary NK cells were derived from the peripheral blood of lung cancer and normal participants. Exosomes were isolated and validated via transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The levels of miR-30c, polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 7 (GALNT7) and proteins in PI3K/AKT pathway were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels and the cytotoxicity of effector NK cells to target lung cancer cells were measured via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, cell apoptosis or xenograft experiments. The relationship between miR-30c and GALNT7 was analyzed by luciferase activity, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. And a xenograft mice model was established to verify the effect of miR-30c in regulating NK cell cytotoxicity to lung cancer cells in vivo.

RESULTS

NK cell-derived exosomes carrying miR-30c, and miR-30c level was significantly downregulated in primary NK cells of lung cancer patients. MiR-30c overexpression promoted TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion and enhanced the cytotoxicity of interleukin 2 (IL-2)-treated NK cells to lung cancer cells, while knockdown of miR-30c played an opposite effect in regulating the cytotoxicity of NK cells to lung cancer cells. GALNT7 was a target of miR-30c and was negatively regulated by miR-30c. Besides, miR-30c targeted GALNT7 to exert its function in regulating NK cell cytotoxicity. Furthermore, GALNT7 prompted the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway in NK cells. Additionally, miR-30c overexpression enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity to lung cancer cells and inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

miR-30c enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity to lung cancer cells via decreasing GALNT7 and inactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway, suggesting that regulating miR-30c expression maybe a promising approach for enhancing NK cell-based antitumor therapies.

Emerging roles of GALNT5 on promoting EGFR activation in cholangiocarcinoma: a mechanistic insight

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a lethal cancer in that the incidence is now increasing worldwide. N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 5 (GALNT5), an enzyme that initiates the first step of mucin type-O glycosylation, has been reported to promote aggressiveness of CCA cells via the epithelial to the mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and Akt/Erk activation. In this study, the clinical and biological relevance of GALNT5 and the molecular mechanisms by which GALNT5 modulated EGFR in promoting CCA progression were examined. Using publicly available datasets, upregulation of GALNT5 in patient CCA tissues and its correlation with EGFR expression was noted. High levels of GALNT5 were significantly associated with the short survival of patients, suggesting a prognostic marker of GALNT5 for CCA. GALNT5 modulated EGFR expression as shown in CCA cell lines. Upregulation of GALNT5 significantly increased EGFR mRNA and protein in GALNT5 overexpressing cells, whereas suppression of GALNT5 expression gave the opposite results. The molecular dynamics simulations and MM/PB(GB)SA-based free energy calculations showed that O-glycosylation on the EGFR extracellular domain enhanced the structural stability, compactness, and H-bond formation of the EGF/GalNAc-EGFR complex compared with those of EGF/EGFR. This stabilized the growth factor binding site and fostered stronger interactions between EGF and EGFR. Using the EGF-induced EGFR activation model, GALNT5 was shown to mediate EGFR stability via a decreased rate of EGFR degradation and enhanced EGFR activity by increasing the binding affinity of EGF/EGFR that consequently increasing the activation of EGFR and its downstream effectors Akt and Erk. In summary, GALNT5 was upregulated in CCA tissues and associated with a worse prognosis. The study identified for the first time the impacts of GALNT5 on EGFR activity by increasing: 1) EGFR expression via a transcriptional-dependent mechanism, 2) EGFR stability by reducing EGFR degradation, and 3) EGFR activation through an increased binding affinity of EGF/EGFR which all together fostered the activation of EGFR. These results expanded the understanding of the molecular mechanism of how GALNT5 impacted CCA progression and suggested GALNT5 as a new target for therapeutic intervention against metastatic CCA.

Overexpression of miR-125a-5p Inhibits Hepatocyte Proliferation through the STAT3 Regulation In Vivo and In Vitro

microRNAs (miRNAs) are critically involved in liver regeneration (LR). miR-125a-5p (miR-125a) is a tumor-suppressing miRNA, but its role in LR has not been studied. Our previous studies have proved that miR-125a was related to LR at the initiation phase, while the mechanism hepatocyte proliferation triggered by miR-125a in LR has been rarely evaluated. Herein, we mainly studied the molecular mechanism of miR-125a in triggering hepatocyte proliferation and the proliferation stage of LR. Firstly, a striking reduction of miR-125a was found at 24 h as well as 30 h following partial hepatectomy (PH) in rat liver tissue by miRNAs expression profiles as well as qRT-PCR analysis. Furthermore, in vitro, upregulation of miR-125a decreased proliferation as well as G1/S conversion, which promoted hepatocytes apoptosis. STAT3 was the target of miR-125a. In vivo, upregulation of miR-125a by tail vein injection of agomir inhibited LR index. Upregulation of miR-125a inhibited LR index and hepatocytes proliferation by STAT3/p-STAT3/JUN/BCL2 axis. In summary, these current discoveries indicated that miR-125a inhibited hepatocytes proliferation as well as LR by targeting STAT3 and via acting on the STAT3/p-STAT3/JUN/BCL2 axis.

Development of a cancer cells self‑activating and miR‑125a‑5p expressing poly‑pharmacological nanodrug for cancer treatment

Cancer cells can acquire resistance to targeted therapeutic agents when the designated targets or their downstream signaling molecules develop protein conformational or activity changes. There is an increasing interest in developing poly-pharmacologic anticancer agents to target multiple oncoproteins or signaling pathways in cancer cells. The microRNA 125a-5p (miR-125a-5p) is a tumor suppressor, and its expression has frequently been downregulated in tumors. By contrast, the anti-apoptotic molecule BIRC5/SURVIVIN is highly expressed in tumors but not in the differentiated normal tissues. In the present study, the development of a BIRC5 gene promoter-driven, miR-125a-5p expressing, poly-L-lysine-conjugated magnetite iron poly-pharmacologic nanodrug (pL-MNP-pSur-125a) was reported. The cancer cells self-activating property and the anticancer effects of this nanodrug were examined in both the multidrug efflux protein ABCB1/MDR1-expressing/-non-expressing cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. It was demonstrated that pL-MNP-pSur-125a decreased the expression of ERBB2/HER2, HDAC5, BIRC5, and SP1, which are hot therapeutic targets for cancer in vitro. Notably, pL-MNP-pSur-125a also downregulated the expression of TDO2 in the human KB cervical carcinoma cells. PL-MNP-pSur-125a decreased the viability of various BIRC5-expressing cancer cells, regardless of the tissue origin or the expression of ABCB1, but not of the human BIRC5-non-expressing HMEC-1 endothelial cells. In vivo, pL-MNP-pSur-125a exhibited potent antitumor growth effects, but without inducing liver toxicity, in various zebrafish human-ABCB1-expressing and ABCB1-non-expressing tumor xenograft models. In conclusion, pL-MNP-pSur-125a is an easy-to-prepare and a promising poly-pharmacological anticancer nanodrug that has the potential to manage numerous malignancies, particularly for patients with BIRC5/ABCB1-related drug resistance after prolonged chemotherapeutic treatments.

Shikonin inhibits the proliferation of cervical cancer cells via FAK/AKT/GSK3β signalling

Cervical cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies of the female reproductive system. Shikonin, a naphthoquinone pigment extracted from the traditional medicinal herb, Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has been demonstrated to exert significant inhibitory effects on a variety of tumours in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, the effects of shikonin on cervical cancer and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. The effects of shikonin on the viability on HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cells was examined using cell counting kit (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the levels of the proliferation-related protein, Ki67. Western blot analysis was utilized to measure the phosphorylated and total expression levels of proteins, including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), AKT, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Cell migration was determined by using wound healing assay. Metastasis-associated 1 (MTA1), TGFβ1 and VEGF mRNA expression levels were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. It was demonstrated that, shikonin inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation and migration. The data of the present study revealed that shikonin inhibited the proliferation of HeLa and SiHa cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Mechanistically, shikonin blocked the proliferation of cervical cancer cells by downregulating the phosphorylation of FAK, AKT and GSK3β induced by EGF. In addition, shikonin significantly suppressed cell migration and reduced the expression of migration-related proteins, including MTA1, TGFβ1 and VEGF. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that shikonin may exert an inhibitory effect on the cervical cancer cell proliferation and migration through the FAK/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway. These findings suggest that shikonin may function as a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Profiling and integrated analysis of differentially expressed circRNAs in cervical cancer

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new type of regulatory RNAs, which have been identified to play critical role in various tumors. However, the profiles and roles of circRNAs in cervical cancer (CCa) have not been fully understood and need to be further explored. In the present study, we performed circRNA array and mRNA-sequencing (mRNA-Seq) to profile the differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs in CCa tissues. A total of 397 differentially expressed circRNAs and 2138 differentially expressed mRNAs were detected, respectively. Subsequently, a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed and indicated that hsa_circ_0026377 was downregulated in CCa. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0026377 inhibited HeLa and SiHa cells proliferation, migration and invasion. Collectively, this study provided new insights into the circRNA profiles in CCa and suggested that hsa_circ_0026377 might play important roles in CCa development.

MIR600HG sponges miR-125a-5p to regulate glycometabolism and cisplatin resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via mediating RNF44

There is increasing evidence that dysregulated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is implicated in tumorigenesis and progression. We aim to explore the role of lncRNA MIR600HG in glycometabolism and cisplatin (DDP) resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells via regulating microRNA-125a-5p (miR-125a-5p) and RING finger 44 (RNF44). Expression of MIR600HG, miR-125a-5p, and RNF44 in OSCC clinical samples, cell lines, and DDP-resistant OSCC cells (SCC-9/DDP) was determined. In SCC-9 cells, proliferation, IC50 value of DDP, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were detected; in SCC-9/DDP cells, proliferation, IC50 value of DDP, apoptosis, glucose consumption, and production of lactic acid and ATP were evaluated. The interaction of MR600HG, miR-125a-5p, and RNF44 was verified. MIR600HG and RNF44 were upregulated while miR-125a-5p was downregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines, and also in SCC-9/DDP cells. In SCC-9 cells, MIR600HG overexpression improved cell growth, metastasis, and inhibited cell susceptibility to DDP; in SCC-9/DDP cells, silencing of MIR600HG promoted apoptosis, improved DDP sensitivity, and inhibited cell glycolysis. Downregulation of miR-125a-5p showed the opposite effect to downregulation of MIR600HG. MIR600HG bound to miR-125a-5p and miR-125a-5p targeted RNF44. Downregulation of miR-125a-5p reversed the improvement of DDP sensitivity and the inhibition of cell glycolysis by downregulated MIR600HG on SCC-9/DDP cells. Downregulating RNF44 reversed the promotion of DDP resistance and cell glycolysis of SCC-9/DDP cells mediated by downregulation of miR-125a-5p. Collectively, our study addresses that MIR600HG downregulation elevates miR-125a-5p and reduces RNF44 expression, thereby improving DDP sensitivity and inhibiting glycolysis in DDP-resistant OSCC cells.

miR-125a attenuates the malignant biological behaviors of cervical squamous cell carcinoma cells through Rad51

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), the most common cervical malignancy, is more likely to invade and metastasize than other cervical cancers. miR-125a, a tumor suppressor gene, has been confirmed to be associated with cancer metastasis. However, the role of miR-125a in CSCC and the underlying mechanism are unknown. miR-125a expression was confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and the Rad51 expression level was measured by western blotting analysis. CSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed with functional assays, including CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays. Our data confirmed that miR-125a is expressed at low levels in CSCC tissues and cells. Functionally, the overexpression of miR-125a greatly prevented the proliferation, migration and invasion of CSCC cells, and the inhibition of miR-125a expression strongly enhanced these behaviors in CSCC cells. Moreover, the expression of Rad51, a miR-125a target gene, greatly reversed the miR-125-mediated inhibition of CSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In addition, we discovered that miR-125a downregulated the levels of phosphorylated PI3K, AKT and mTOR through Rad51 in CSCC cells. miR-125a, a tumor suppressor, can attenuate the malignant behaviors of CSCC cells by targeting Rad51. Therefore, the miR-125a/Rad51 axis might be a target for CSCC therapy.

Long noncoding RNA LINC01426 promotes the progression of lung adenocarcinoma via regulating miRNA-125a-5p/ casein kinase 2 alpha 1 axis

Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have been increasingly studied, LINC01426 has not been fully investigated in LUAD. The GEPIA database revealed that LINC01426 was upregulated in LUAD tissues. In our study, we further verified the significantly high expression of LINC01426 in LUAD tissues and cell lines. We also analyzed the LINC01426 expression level and LUAD clinical features and found that high LINC01426 expression was associated with tumor diameter; tumor, node, and metastases (TNM) staging; lymph node metastasis (LNM); and overall survival (OS) rate of LUAD patients. In vitro experiments revealed that suppression of LINC01426 could repress the proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells. Then, the bioinformatic analysis revealed that there were binding domains between miR-125a-5p and the 3′-UTR of LINC01426. As revealed by dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment and RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, miR-125a-5p could bind to LINC01426. Additionally, the results of qRT-PCR and Pearson’s analysis respectively revealed that miR-125a-5p was slightly expressed in LUAD and its expression was negatively correlated with LINC01426. Moreover, casein kinase 2 alpha 1 (CSNK2A1) was predicted to bind to miR-125a-5p. CSNK2A1 expression was remarkably high in LUAD tissues, negatively associated with miR-125a-5p, and positively correlated with LINC01426. Subsequently, our results showed that CSNK2A1 enhanced the malignant progression of LUAD cells. Overall, our study revealed that LINC01426 might regulate the malignant phenotype of LUAD via the miR-125a-5p/CSNK2A1 axis.

Prenatal Cadmium Exposure Alters Proliferation in Mouse CD4+ T Cells via LncRNA Snhg7

Objective

Prenatal cadmium (Cd) exposure leads to immunotoxic phenotypes in the offspring affecting coding and non-coding genes. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are integral to T cell regulation. Here, we investigated the role of long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 7 (lncSnhg7) in T cell proliferation.

Methods

RNA sequencing was used to analyze the expression of lncRNAs in splenic CD4+ T cells with and without CD3/CD28 stimulation. Next, T cells isolated from offspring exposed to control or Cd water throughout mating and gestation were analyzed with and without stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 beads. Quantitative qPCR and western blotting were used to detect RNA and protein levels of specific genes. Overexpression of a miR-34a mimic was achieved using nucleofection. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry and luminescence assays. Flow cytometry was also used to measure T cell proliferation in culture. Finally, lncSnhg7 was knocked down in splenic CD4+ T cells with lentivirus to assess its effect on proliferation.

Results

We identified 23 lncRNAs that were differentially expressed in stimulated versus unstimulated T cells, including lncSnhg7. LncSnhg7 and a downstream protein, GALNT7, are upregulated in T cells from offspring exposed to Cd during gestation. Overexpression of miR-34a, a regulator of lncSnhg7 and GALNT7, suppresses GALNT7 protein levels in primary T cells, but not in a mouse T lymphocyte cell line. The T cells isolated from Cd-exposed offspring exhibit increased proliferation after activation in vitro, but Treg suppression and CD4+ T cell apoptosis are not affected by prenatal Cd exposure. Knockdown on lncSnhg7 inhibits proliferation of CD4+ T cells.

Conclusion

Prenatal Cd exposure alters the expression of lncRNAs during T cell activation. The induction of lncSnhg7 is enhanced in splenic T cells from Cd offspring resulting in the upregulation of GALNT7 protein and increased proliferation following activation. miR-34a overexpression decreased GALNT7 expression and knockdown of lncSnhg7 inhibited proliferation suggesting that the lncSnhg7/miR-34a/GALNT7 is an important pathway in primary CD4+ T cells. These data highlight the need to understand the consequences of environmental exposures on lncRNA functions in non-cancerous cells as well as the effects in utero.

A review on the role of epidermal growth factor signaling in the development, progression and treatment of cervical cancer

The sub-committee constituted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for the management of cervical cancer (CC) detailed in the consensus document (2016) reported CC as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women. The incidence of an increase in CC and associated mortality in women is a major cause of cancer. To date, human papilloma viral (HPV) infection accounts for more than 99% of CC. However, there are individuals infected with HPV do not develop CC. There is a greater correlation between HPV infection and upregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling cascade during the initiation, sustenance, and progression of CC. Therefore, EGFR is often targeted to treat CC using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAB). The current review analyzed the existing clinical/pre-clinical studies and the significance of EGFR abundance using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival plot analysis for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). We performed a series of bioinformatics analyses to screen the crucial role of the EGFR gene in CC. Further, different transcription factors that are dysregulated due to EGFR abundance and their relevance were determined using computational tools in this review. Endogenous microRNAs (miRNA) that undergo changes due to alterations in EGFR during CC were identified using computational database and consolidated the information obtained with the published in the area of miRNA and EGFR with special reference to the initiation, sustenance and progression of CC. The current review aims to consolidate contemporary approaches for targeting CC using EGFR and highlight the current role of miRNA and genes that are differently regulated during CC involving EGFR mutations. Potential resistance to the available EGFR therapies such as TKIs and mABs and the need for better therapies are also extensively reviewed for the development of newer therapeutic molecules with better efficacy.

miR-125a-5p in astrocytes attenuates peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic mice through targeting TRAF6

INTRODUCTION

Elimination or blocking of astrocytes could ameliorate neuropathic pain in animal models. MiR-125a-5p, expressed in astrocyte derived extracellular vesicles, could mediate astrocyte function to regulate neuron communication. However, the role of miR-125a-5p in DPN (diabetic peripheral neuropathy) remains elusive.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Type 2 diabetic mouse (db/db) was used as DPN model, which was confirmed by detection of body weight, blood glucose, mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Astrocyte was isolated from db/db mouse and then subjected to high glucose treatment. The expression of miR-125a-5p in db/db mice and high glucose-induced astrocytes was examined by qRT-PCR analysis. Downstream target of miR-125a-5p was clarified by luciferase reporter assay. Tail vein injection of miR-125a-5p mimic into db/db mice was then performed to investigate role of miR-125a-5p on DPN.

RESULTS

Type 2 diabetic mice showed higher body weight and blood glucose than normal db/m mice. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were decreased in db/db mouse compared with db/m mouse, while GFAP and MCP-1 were increased in db/db mouse. High glucose treatment enhanced the protein expression of GFAP and MCP-1 in astrocytes. Sciatic nerve tissues in db/db mice and high glucose-induced astrocytes exhibited a decrease in miR-125a-5p. Systemic administration of miR-125a-5p mimic increased mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, whereas it decreased GFAP and MCP-1. TRAF6 (tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6) was validated as target of miR-125a-5p.

CONCLUSION

MiR-125a-5p in astrocytes attenuated DPN in db/db mice by up-regulation of TRAF6, which indicated the potential therapeutic effect.

miR-30b-5p inhibits proliferation, invasion, and migration of papillary thyroid cancer by targeting GALNT7 via the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a common endocrine tumor. Increasing evidence has shown that microRNA dysfunction is involved in the occurrence and development of cancer. The expression of MicroRNA-30b-5p (miR-30b-5p) was down-regulated in PTC; however, its role in the development of PTC is not clear. Hence, this study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of miR-30b-5p in the occurrence and development of PTC.

Methods

The qRT-PCR assay was used to detect the expression of miR-30b-5p in 60 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma along with their matched non-cancerous tissues. This study explored the biological function of miR-30b-5p by the functional gain and loss experiments in vitro and vivo. The direct target gene of miR-30b-5p and its signaling pathway was identified through bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR, western blot, rescue experiments, and double luciferase 3'-UTR report analysis.

Results

This study demonstrated that the low expression of miR-30b-5p is related to poor clinicopathological features. Functionally, the overexpression of miR-30b-5p inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of PTC cells. Bioinformatics and luciferase analysis showed that GALNT7 is the direct and functional target of miR-30b-5p. Moreover, miR-30b-5p inhibited the proliferation of PTC in vivo by inhibiting the expression of GALNT7. The studies on the mechanism have shown that GALNT7 promotes cell proliferation and invasion by activating EGFR/PI3K/AKT kinase pathway, which can be attenuated by the kinase inhibitors.

Conclusions

Overall, miR-30b-5p inhibited the progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma by targeting GALNT7 and inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02323-x.

miR‑125a‑5p reverses epithelial‑mesenchymal transition and restores drug sensitivity by negatively regulating TAFAZZIN signaling in breast cancer

MicroRNA (miR)‑125a‑5p represses tafazzin phospholipid‑lysophospholipid transacylases (TAFAZZIN) expression and inhibits the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ovarian cancer cells. EMT was found to have a crucial role in the acquisition of chemoresistance. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether miR‑125a‑5p reverses EMT and restores drug sensitivity by negatively regulating TAFAZZIN in breast cancer. The expression of miR‑125a‑5p/TAFAZZIN and its association with chemotherapy response were determined in tissue samples from patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, the effects of miR‑125a‑5p on breast cancer cells were elucidated using cell proliferation and cell apoptosis assays. Then, the regulatory mechanism of miR‑125a‑5p in breast cancer was investigated by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blotting, dual‑luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. The results demonstrated that miR‑125a‑5p inhibited the EMT of MCF‑7/adriamycin (Adr) breast cancer cells, as well as decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of breast cancer cells treated with Adr/docetaxel. In addition, miR‑125a‑5p downregulated the expression levels of TAFAZZIN, Transglutaminase 2, phosphorylated‑AKT, N‑cadherin, vimentin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and significantly increased those of E‑cadherin, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax in MCF7/Adr cells. Similar results were obtained with small interfering RNA‑TAFAZZIN. Moreover, TAFAZZIN was identified as a direct target of miR‑125a‑5p in MCF7/Adr breast cancer cells. In addition, increased miR‑125a‑5p expression was observed in breast tumors from patients exhibiting a chemotherapy response, and TAFAZZIN mRNA expression was elevated in patients with no chemotherapy response. Hence, miR‑125a‑5p expression was negatively correlated with TAFAZZIN mRNA expression in breast cancer tissues. All these data suggested that miR‑125a‑5p reverses EMT and restores drug sensitivity by negatively regulating TAFAZZIN in breast cancer and, therefore, has potential as a novel therapeutic target for this disease.

Hsa_circ_0074491 regulates the malignance of cholesteatoma keratinocytes by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway by binding to miR-22-3p and miR-125a-5p: An observational study

Cholesteatoma is a benign cystic lesion that can continue to grow like a tumor. Circular ribonucleic acid (RNA) hsa_circ_0074491 (circ_0074491) has been reported to be down-regulated in cholesteatoma tissues. However, the role and regulatory mechanism of circ_0074491 in the growth of cholesteatoma are unclear.The expression of circ_0074491, microRNA (miR)-22-3p, and miR-125a-5p in cholesteatoma tissues was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of cholesteatoma keratinocytes were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, plate clone, flow cytometry, or transwell assays. Several protein levels were examined by western blotting. The targeting relationship between miR-22-3p or miR-125a-5p and circ_0074491 was verified via dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays.We observed the downregulation of circ_0074491 in cholesteatoma tissues. Furthermore, circ_0074491 knockdown facilitated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and repressed cell apoptosis in cholesteatoma keratinocytes. Circ_0074491 was verified as a decoy for miR-22-3p and miR-125a-5p in cholesteatoma keratinocytes. Both miR-22-3p and miR-125a-5p silencing reversed the impacts of circ_0074491 silencing on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of cholesteatoma keratinocytes. Also, circ_0074491 knockdown activated the PI3K/Akt pathway in cholesteatoma keratinocytes via miR-22-3p and miR-125a-5p.Circ_0074491 played a suppressive role in cholesteatoma through inactivating the PI3K/Akt pathway via binding to miR-22-3p and miR-125a-5p, which provided a novel evidence for the involvement of circRNA in the development of cholesteatoma.

Epigenetic Regulation of Glycosylation

Expression of glycosylation-related genes (or glycogenes) is strictly regulated by transcription factors and epigenetic processes, both in normal and in pathological conditions. In fact, glycosylation is an essential mechanism through which proteins and lipids are modified to perform a variety of biological events, to adapt to environment, and to interact with microorganisms.Many glycogenes with a role in normal development are epigenetically regulated. Essential studies were performed in the brain, where expression of glycogenes like MGAT5B, B4GALNT1, and ST8Sia1 are under the control of histone modifications, and in the immune system, where expression of FUT7 is regulated by both DNA methylation and histone modifications. At present, epigenetic regulation of glycosylation is still poorly described under physiological conditions, since the majority of the studies were focused on cancer. In fact, virtually all types of cancers display aberrant glycosylation, because of both genetic and epigenetic modifications on glycogenes. This is also true for many other diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, IgA nephropathy, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases.A deeper knowledge in epigenetic regulation of glycogenes is essential, since research in this field could be helpful in finding novel and personalized therapeutics.

MicroRNA-125a-5p modulates the proliferation and apoptosis of TM4 Sertoli cells by targeting RAB3D and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Sertoli cells are cells that provide protection and nutrition for developing sperm. Each stage of sperm development occurs on the surface of Sertoli cells. MicroRNA (MiR)-125a-5p is involved in male reproduction. The current research aimed to probe the role of miR-125a-5p in Sertoli cell function. Functionally, miR-125a-5p knockdown facilitated Sertoli cell proliferation, while miR-125a-5p overexpression suppressed Sertoli cell proliferation, as evidenced by 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine incorporation assay. Additionally, miR-125a-5p knockdown inhibited Sertoli cell apoptosis, while miR-125a-5p upregulation facilitated Sertoli cell apoptosis, as evidenced by flow cytometry analysis. Computationally, we identified four predicted mRNA targets of miR-125a-5p. Based on the results of luciferase reporter assay, miR-125a-5p was confirmed to bind to the predicted sequence in the Ras-related protein Rab-3D (RAB3D) 3'UTR. Rescue experiments showed that miR-125a-5p suppressed the proliferative ability of TM4 Sertoli cells and facilitated their apoptosis by targeting RAB3D. Finally, our data confirmed that miR-125a-5p and RAB3D modulated activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, our data showed that miR-125a-5p regulated Sertoli cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting RAB3D and regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

miR-125a-5p in astrocytes attenuates peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic mice through targeting TRAF6

INTRODUCTION

Elimination or blocking of astrocytes could ameliorate neuropathic pain in animal models. MiR-125a-5p, expressed in astrocyte derived extracellular vesicles, could mediate astrocyte function to regulate neuron communication. However, the role of miR-125a-5p in DPN (diabetic peripheral neuropathy) remains elusive.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Type 2 diabetic mouse (db/db) was used as DPN model, which was confirmed by detection of body weight, blood glucose, mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Astrocyte was isolated from db/db mouse and then subjected to high glucose treatment. The expression of miR-125a-5p in db/db mice and high glucose-induced astrocytes was examined by qRT-PCR analysis. Downstream target of miR-125a-5p was clarified by luciferase reporter assay. Tail vein injection of miR-125a-5p mimic into db/db mice was then performed to investigate role of miR-125a-5p on DPN.

RESULTS

Type 2 diabetic mice showed higher body weight and blood glucose than normal db/m mice. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were decreased in db/db mouse compared with db/m mouse, while GFAP and MCP-1 were increased in db/db mouse. High glucose treatment enhanced the protein expression of GFAP and MCP-1 in astrocytes. Sciatic nerve tissues in db/db mice and high glucose-induced astrocytes exhibited a decrease in miR-125a-5p. Systemic administration of miR-125a-5p mimic increased mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, whereas it decreased GFAP and MCP-1. TRAF6 (tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6) was validated as target of miR-125a-5p.

CONCLUSION

MiR-125a-5p in astrocytes attenuated DPN in db/db mice by up-regulation of TRAF6, which indicated the potential therapeutic effect.

EZH2 is involved in psoriasis progression by impairing miR-125a-5p inhibition of SFMBT1 and leading to inhibition of the TGFβ/SMAD pathway

Aims:

In this study, we aimed to decipher the impact of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in psoriasis as well as the underlying mechanism.

Methods:

A mouse model of psoriasis was developed by means of imiquimod induction, with the expression of EZH2, microRNA-125a-5p (miR-125a-5p), and SFMBT1 determined. The role of EZH2, miR-125a-5p, and SFMBT1 in malignant phenotypes of HaCaT cells and the development of psoriasis in vivo was subsequently investigated through gain- and loss-of-function experiments. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay were conducted to explore the relationship between EZH2 or SFMBT1 and miR-125a-5p. Finally, the effects of EZH2 and miR-125a-5p on the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/SMAD pathway were analyzed.

Results:

Overexpressed SFMBT1 and EZH2 was detected while miR-125a-5p were downregulated in psoriasis tissues and human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. EZH2 increased the levels of IL-17A-induced cytokines and promoted the malignant phenotypes of HaCaT cells. Functionally, EZH2 reduced miR-125a-5p expression while miR-125a-5p targeted SFMBT1 to activate the TGFβ/SMAD pathway in vitro. Knockdown of EZH2 or up-regulation of miR-125a-5p inhibited cell proliferation and the levels of IL-17A-induced cytokines, but increased the expression of TGFβ1 and the extent of smad2 and smad3 phosphorylation in HaCaT cells. Notably, EZH2 contributed to the development of psoriasis in vivo by inhibiting the TGFβ/SMAD pathway via impairment of miR-125a-5p-mediated SFMBT1 inhibition.

Conclusion:

Taken together, the results of the current study highlight the ability of EZH2 to potentially inactivate the TGFβ/SMAD pathway via upregulation of miR-125a-5p-dependent SFMBT1during the progression of psoriatic lesions.

KLF5-mediated Eppk1 expression promotes cell proliferation in cervical cancer via the p38 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Epiplakin1 (Eppk1) is part of epidermal growth factor (EGF) signal and takes part in reorganization of cytoskeleton and cell proliferation. However, the role of Eppk1 in cervical cancer (CC) remains unknown.

METHODS

To express Eppk1 and KLF5 and their correlation, we used RNA-sequence, RT-qPCR, TCGA database and immunofluorescence staining in vitro and in different pathological cervical tissues. In CC cell lines, we tested adenovirus-mediated over expression or knockdown of KLF5 and siRNA-mediated knockdown of Eppk1 and a suiting assessment of cell proliferation and cell signaling by western blot and CCK8 tests. We studied the mechanism by which KLF5 regulates Eppk1 expression by reporter gene test and chromatin immunoprecipitation test.

RESULTS

Eppk1 expression promoted in CC tissues and cell lines compared with increased KLF5 expression. The results of immunofluorescence staining further showed the increased co-expression of Eppk1 and KLF5 correlated substantially with tumorigenesis in cervical tissues. Overexpression of KLF5 significantly increased Eppk1 expression at transcription and translation levels. Conversely, the knockdown of KLF5 by siRNA against KLF5 decreased Eppk1 expression. Mechanically, KLF5 activated Eppk1 transcription by direct binding to the Eppk1 promoter. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments reported that KLF5 promoted cell proliferation in Hela partly dependent on Eppk1 upregulation. Besides, KLF5-mediated activation of p38 signaling significantly decreased after Eppk1 knockdown compared with decline of proliferation, suggesting that Eppk1 lies upstream of p38 signaling affecting cell proliferation. Finally, Eppk1 expression is positively correlated with tumor size in clinicopathological features of CC.

CONCLUSIONS

Eppk1 may be an effective therapeutic target for affecting p38 signaling pathway and cell proliferation in cervical cancer.

A Comprehensive Understanding of the Anticancer Mechanisms of FDY2004 Against Cervical Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology

Herbal drugs are continuously being developed and used as effective therapeutics for various cancers, such as cervical cancer (CC); however, their mechanisms of action at a systemic level have not been explored fully. To study such mechanisms, we conducted a network pharmacological investigation of the anti-CC mechanisms of FDY2004, an herbal drug consisting of Moutan Radicis Cortex, Persicae Semen , and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. We found that FDY2004 inhibited the viability of human CC cells. By performing pharmacokinetic evaluation and network analysis of the phytochemical components of FDY2004, we identified 29 bioactive components and their 116 CC-associated pharmacological targets. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that the modulation of cellular functions, such as apoptosis, growth, proliferation, and survival, might be mediated through the FDY2004 targets. The therapeutic targets were also key components of CC-associated oncogenic and tumor-suppressive pathways, including PI3K-Akt, human papillomavirus infection, IL-17, MAPK, TNF, focal adhesion, and viral carcinogenesis pathways. In conclusion, our data present a comprehensive insight for the mechanisms of the anti-CC properties of FDY2004.

Epigenetic Regulation of Glycosylation in Cancer and Other Diseases

In the last few decades, the newly emerging field of epigenetic regulation of glycosylation acquired more importance because it is unraveling physiological and pathological mechanisms related to glycan functions. Glycosylation is a complex process in which proteins and lipids are modified by the attachment of monosaccharides. The main actors in this kind of modification are the glycoenzymes, which are translated from glycosylation-related genes (or glycogenes). The expression of glycogenes is regulated by transcription factors and epigenetic mechanisms (mainly DNA methylation, histone acetylation and noncoding RNAs). This review focuses only on these last ones, in relation to cancer and other diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and IgA1 nephropathy. In fact, it is clear that a deeper knowledge in the fine-tuning of glycogenes is essential for acquiring new insights in the glycan field, especially if this could be useful for finding novel and personalized therapeutics.

The emerging role of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of PI3K/AKT pathway in the carcinogenesis process

The PI3K/AKT pathway is an intracellular signaling pathway with an indispensable impact on cell cycle control. This pathway is functionally related with cell proliferation, cell survival, metabolism, and quiescence. The crucial role of this pathway in the development of cancer has offered this pathway as a target of novel anti-cancer treatments. Recent researches have demonstrated the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in controlling the PI3K/AKT pathway. Some miRNAs such as miR-155-5p, miR-328-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-126, miR-331-3p and miR-16 inactivate this pathway, while miR-182, miR-106a, miR-193, miR-214, miR-106b, miR-93, miR-21 and miR-103/107 enhance activity of this pathway. Expression levels of PI3K/AKT-associated miRNAs could be used to envisage the survival of cancer patients. Numerous lncRNAs such as GAS5, FER1L4, LINC00628, PICART1, LOC101928316, ADAMTS9-AS2, SLC25A5-AS1, MEG3, AB073614 and SNHG6 interplay with this pathway. Identification of the impact of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the control of the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway would enhance the efficacy of targeted therapies against this pathway. Moreover, each of the mentioned miRNAs and lncRNAs could be used as a putative therapeutic candidate for the interfering with the carcinogenesis. In the current study, we review the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in controlling the PI3K/AKT pathway and their contribution to carcinogenesis.

Progress in Natural Compounds/siRNA Co-delivery Employing Nanovehicles for Cancer Therapy

Chemotherapy using natural compounds, such as resveratrol, curcumin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, etoposide, doxorubicin, and camptothecin, is of importance in cancer therapy because of the outstanding therapeutic activity and multitargeting capability of these compounds. However, poor solubility and bioavailability of natural compounds have limited their efficacy in cancer therapy. To circumvent this hurdle, nanocarriers have been designed to improve the antitumor activity of the aforementioned compounds. Nevertheless, cancer treatment is still a challenge, demanding novel strategies. It is well-known that a combination of natural products and gene therapy is advantageous over monotherapy. Delivery of multiple therapeutic agents/small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a potent gene-editing tool in cancer therapy can maximize the synergistic effects against tumor cells. In the present review, co-delivery of natural compounds/siRNA using nanovehicles are highlighted to provide a backdrop for future research.

HPV16 E6 regulates the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by downregulating miR-504

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 infection is a necessary condition for the pathogenesis and development of cervical cancer. The E6 protein is expressed by the HPV16 E6 gene and promotes malignant phenotype transformation, which is an important mechanism for the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. MicroRNA-504 (miR-504) has been reported as an oncogene or tumor suppressor gene; the expression of miR-504 in cervical cancer has been found to be negatively correlated with HPV infection. However, the relationship between HPV16 E6 and miR-504 and the role of miR-504 in cervical cancer are not clear. In the current study, we observed the effect of HPV16 E6 on the expression of miR-504 in cervical cancer cells, and analyzed whether HPV16 E6 affects proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells by regulating the expression of miR-504.

METHODS

Cervical cancer cells (SiHa) were divided into four groups: the empty vector group, E6 overexpression group, E6 overexpression + miR-NC group, and E6 overexpression+miR-504 group. The expressions levels of HPV16 E6 mRNA and miR-504 were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the expression level of HPV16 E6 protein was detected by Western blot. Cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Tastelessly, and flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-504 was significantly decreased in E6 overexpression cells compared to the control cells (P<0.05); the overexpression of miR-504 with miR-504 mimic significantly reversed the downregulation of miR-504 in E6 overexpression SiHa cells (P<0.05). MTT and Transwell assays showed that the overexpression of E6 significantly increased proliferation and invasion of SiHa cells (P<0.05). The overexpression of miR-504 reversed the role of HPV16 E6 on the proliferation and invasion in E6 overexpression SiHa cells, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Further analysis showed that the overexpression of E6 significantly reduced apoptosis of SiHa cells (P<0.05). The overexpression of miR-504 reversed the role of HPV16 E6 on apoptosis in E6 overexpression SiHa cells, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV16 E6 may promote the proliferation and invasion, and inhibit the apoptosis, of cervical cancer SiHa cells by downregulating miR-504 expression.

MicroRNA-217: A regulator of human cancer

As highly conserved non-coding RNAs of approximately 18-24 nucleotides, microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of target genes. Multiple studies have demonstrated that miRNAs participate in the regulation of human cancer. MircoRNA-217 (miR-217) participates in the regulation of various tumors by specifically binding target genes and post-transcriptional regulation. In recent years, there have been numerous reports about miR-217 in tumor progression. MiR-217 is known mainly as a tumor suppressor, although some studies have shown that it functions as an oncomiR. Here, we review the current research related to miR-217, including its role in tumor progression and the molecular mechanisms.